Aberdeen University Students’ Association has popular Torcher Parade will take place next weekend.

The parade, which is the largest event of its kind in Europe, has been a feature in the Granite City for more than 125 years and organisers are determined to put the fun into fundraising later this month.

It will set off from Albyn Place at 6pm on March 23, heading down Union Street and finishing on King Street.

Raising and Giving Campaign (RAG) is running the event in association with AUSA to amass funds for local charities.

The parade will be led by a procession of lit torches, followed by 20 student-built floats, decorated by participants from educational institutions in the city and many more students in fancy dress on foot.

The association’s chairwoman Signe Thye said: “We’re very excited to be bringing the Torcher Parade back to the streets of Aberdeen.

“With help of partners and a renewed interest from students, we cannot wait to show what we have been working on for the past many months”.

“Our goal has been to make this year’s parade even bigger and better than those seen in recent years and bring back a real buzz around it.

“This means that the parade will involve 20 floats this year, with students representing different campuses, departments, societies, clubs and student groups – and even two local bands will be involved.

“Additionally, George Boyne, the principal of Aberdeen University, will be taking part and showing his support. Everyone at AUSA and RAG is looking forward to it and can’t wait to see everyone who comes out and supports us.”

The Torcher Parade is looking for volunteers to escort the floats and help on the night. If you would like to get involved on the night, contact RAG at rag@abdn.ac.uk

Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University will go head to head in over 30 different sports disciplines, from rugby and hockey to weightlifting and tennis at the 22nd annual Granite City Challenge on March 20 from 9am to 6pm on the AU campus. The results will be announced in ATIK nightclub later that night.